Vaughn College Completes $40 Million Renovation

FLUSHING, N.Y. — Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology recently completed a sweeping, multi-phased expansion and renovation that introduced a number of modern upgrades to the more than 70-year-old campus. The project took roughly three years to complete and transformed the private, four-year college into a progressive and technologically advanced aeronautical engineering institution.

Located in Queens, N.Y., adjacent to La Guardia Airport, the college maintains an enrollment of approximately 1,700 students studying more than 20 associates, masters and bachelors degree programs. These programs include aerospace engineering, airport management, airport maintenance, air traffic control and flight education.

“The nearly $40 million project equipped Vaughn College with expanded and renovated educational and technical facilities; new physics, mechanical, structural, and materials testing laboratories; new public spaces; a new, two-story library and teaching and learning center; upgraded building systems; and the robust sound insulation necessary for a college located only 200 feet from one of LaGuardia Airport’s runways,” said Regina Gallagher Marengo, P.E., president of construction manager Ensign Engineering, who managed the renovation, in a statement.

Additional renovations were performed on some of the older buildings on campus. The main building, built in 1940, was almost completely redone, while two classroom buildings built in 1983 and 1997, respectively, were upgraded. A large hangar containing an observation tower, also built in 1997, received a thorough renovation. The project’s design was completed in 2009 and construction began in 2011.

“Our institution seeks to provide an engaging educational experience for every student, which supports them in their pursuit of a degree as well as lifelong learning,” said Dr. Sharon DeVivo, the college’s newly installed seventh president and its first female leader, in a statement. “The completely upgraded educational and administrative facilities allow us to provide unparalleled service to our students and attract top faculty members, while incorporating the most advanced instructional technology and methods into our programs.”

Bronx, N.Y.-based Ensign Engineering served as the construction manager for the project, while New York City-based Stalco Construction served as the general contractor. Both John Ciardullo Associates, also of New York City, and Jamaica, N.Y.-based Graf & Lewent Architects contributed to the design.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, provided the majority of the project’s financing, while the college itself contributed $7 million of its own funds.